Comparison of levels of dysphoria due to behaviors, fantasies, and sexual orientations among heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual teenagers
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There is significant evidence that non-heterosexual people are at greater risk of mental disorders and suicide due to the stigma, discrimination, criticism, and harassment they experience. However, to date, no research has been found that examines the role of distress related to sexual behaviors, fantasies, and orientations among individuals with different sexual orientations. The objective of this study was to compare levels of dysphoria arising from sexual behaviors, fantasies, and orientations among adolescents who identify as heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. The sample included 464 high school students from the city of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico; 300 (64.7%) identified as heterosexual, 93 (20.0%) as bisexual, 64 (13.8%) as homosexual, and 7 (1.5%) as other. The Dysphoria for Behaviors, Fantasies, and Sexual Orientations Scale (D-DCFOS) was administered. It contains two factors: Low Arousal Dysphoria (LAD) and High Arousal Dysphoria (HAD). Sociodemographic data such as age, sex, and sexual orientation were also collected. The results showed lower scores on the D-DCFOS and the LAD factor in participants who identified as heterosexual compared to the groups formed by bisexual and homosexual individuals. It is noteworthy that individuals who identified as heterosexual obtained very high E-DCFOS scores. In conclusion, this study shows that dysphoria for behaviors, fantasies, and sexual orientations is a factor that increases distress and, probably, the risk of developing psychopathology. Therefore, preventive interventions to reduce these risks in adolescents and young adults would be advisable.
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